The Leica & Classic Camera Auction at McTear's, Glasgow

Posted in:Works of Art & FurniturePosted on: 15 March 2017
McTear’s Auctioneers is proud to offer a large single-vendor collection of cameras to the open market for the first time. Owned by photographer and collector, Ian MacDonald, the collection is unique for the sheer quantity and excellent condition of cameras offered, mostly manufactured by Leica.

Mr MacDonald’s collection was gathered over three generations and comprises over 100 lots, with Leica examples from the early 20th century to the modern day. The highlight of the auction is lot 70, a Leica 1 camera which was reputedly owned by the world-famous aviator Amelia Earhart, and gifted to the vendor’s grandfather, William MacDonald in 1933. Mr MacDonald Senior had always admired the camera, and as he worked for Ms Earhart and became friendly with the family, he said that he liked the camera. Ms Earhart reputedly did not like the Leica 1 because she found the film difficult to load, and gave him the camera there and then, signing a card from her own stock at the same time. Estimated at £10000-15000, the lucky purchaser of this lot will not only be the owner of an early Leica model but also a priceless piece of history.

Another highlight is lot 101, a rare U.S. Army Leica KS15-4 set, estimated at £4000-6000. The auction also includes two Leicaflex SL prototypes from the Wetzlar factory (lots 58 and 64), and a range of Leica camera models including the Leica 1, Leica 3, Leica 3-A, Leica 3-C, Leica M1, Leicaflex SL, Leica R3, R4, R7, R8, and many others. In addition, many camera accessories made by Leitz feature, including lenses, light meters and more. For the non-Leica collector, the auction also features a fine Hasselblad camera kit (lot 106), estimated at £1000-1500, and many other classic cameras.

The auction takes place Friday 24th March from 10.30. A full catalogue is available via this link - http://mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=074b3a6b-2905-46c0-a8dc-550ca6d7ba1f

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